February 19, 2010

“It is safer to lower the bar than it is to raise the discomfort level.”

One word in today’s “They Said It” quotation really stood out to me when I heard this sentence spoken.  I can only hope that the word strikes you in the same way it practically floored me. 

Two hiring managers were discussing their frustration caused by the lack of quality candidates available to fill an important open position in their organization.  Their conversation turned not to ensuring that the right person be hired to fill the slot, but rather to the political survival of the two so-called leaders themselves.  The previous holder of the job in question was a man of impeccable character, tremendous work ethic, and a producer of outstanding results.  No doubt, filling his shoes would be difficult.

It was determined, rather quickly in my estimation, that his shoes could not be filled.  They decided instead to reduce expectations for the job.  Justifying their decision, one manager commented to the other, “It is safer to lower the bar than it is to raise the discomfort level.”  Apparently, these two felt it best to do what was “safe” for them rather than what was best for the organization. 

In reality, today’s quote should read, “It is easier to lower the bar than it is to raise the discomfort level.”  Too often, we justify our actions by degree of difficulty than by what is best or right.  Meeting certain measures as a basis for judgment is a part of almost everything we do.   

Rarely, if ever, is it safe to lower them. 

Craig Halsey

They Said It

February 19, 2010